dabeast727

Okay, so this actually has nothing to do with christmas, but that is when im doing this work because i have like a month off school for xmas break... here is what im doing to the xj!!!

opps actually i forgot a few things, i added them to the bottom...
aight here it goes...
front axle, need a new d30 cuz mines ****ed, if i can find a d30 non disco with 4.10s then thats mad lucky, but either that or get my friends for like $250ish with 4.56 and lock right...
Either way the axle is gonna get new MOOG ball joints, gotta get plugs for the ball joints too that or adjustable ball joints to adjust for caster, that **** is gonna suck, its gotta have good axle seals and pinion seal though cuz im not ****ing with that. Might do new 297x/760x u-joints not sure, and possibly some new wheel bearings if it needs them. Thats the hard stuff.

Then its gettin JCR over the kuckle steering so i need to ream out the knuckles, when i do the JCR **** ill align it myself.

Its also gonna need a new slave cylinder, should be easy since my AX15 is a late model so it has an external slave. Also need a new reservior cap for the clutch fluid. Needs AC recharge, also very easy. needs new driver side taillight. getting an exhaust idk what kind yet prob a 40 series, need a welder for that. Then ill have the rear end regeared to whatever the front is to match.

4 new Maxxis bighorns in 35x12.50r15 balanced with airsoft BBs. I also need to ream out the door hinges (i have a doorless mod that sags) and find a good solid quick pin or bolt of some sort to pop in so the doors wont sag. Also need a new passenger door wiring harness. Also gonna get JCR rock sliders and a rock crusher or some ultra tough front diff cover if i have the money, those might wait though.

Also need to install rough country control arm drop brackets and 5.5" rubicon express springs and longer rear shackles might get new shocks too.

Another thing would be bushwackers, also if the budget allows. Im also gonna trim up the rear fenders just a little bit. Also gonna fab up some way to put some 6x9s in the back to replace my back speakers (my brother scott will prob do that for me)..

Its gonna be a big project but it will be ill as **** when its done, the front axle though is gonna suck dick though cuz im gonna replace all the bushings because i dont want death wobble.


All in all basically budget is about $3,000. That front axle is gonna be a *****, and i know those shackles may cause some trouble too... If i upgrade from the 4.5" tired springs i have on there right now(i have a 1.5" spacer to help make up for my bumper and winch) to some rubicon express 5.5" ones, should i just get 2" shackles out back? not sure if a 5.5 spring from them will net more than 1" increase...


Also what kind of rear shackles?


So here are my big questions:
1. What size shackle for the back? (i have a 1" RE in there now with a 3.5" pack, at about 5" net lift...)
2. Ball joints are gonna suck, but will I be able to correctly set up the camber plugs and their angles?
3. For the drop brackets, will i be able to adjust my control arms using spacers or caster plates or whatever theyre called?
4. How bad are replacing my control arm and track bar bushings gonna suck? Can i do it? I have access to tools
5. How hard will be replacing rear shackles be? Will i have to cut and weld and get fancy?
I tihnk thats all thats really freaking me out, but i need help guys. So maybe you could quote my question list and answer each for me if you like im sure i can get somewhere that way

offroadnut36

If you plan on goin to 35s you should probably get 4.88 gears.

dabeast727

its a manual

broncofire75

You'll be aight with 4:10s and a manual but Id go with your buddies axle with 4:56s and a locker for sure. That would be the first thing I'd be saving for.

offroadnut36

Oh, my bad.

dabeast727

thanks guys, but i really need input on those 5 questions...

offroadnut36

are you going to get new rear leaf packs?

dabeast727

haha no

offroadnut36

oh, well then you should probably get 2 inch shackles, but you should wait until the front coils settle, to see if you actually need to add to the rear.

dabeast727

Im going with 2" RCs....

So my biggest concern is this: The front end needs to be TIGHT and EXACT, i need perfect angles and everything must be tuned to perfection, which is gonna suck.. So lets see... I have to set ball joint angles, steering geometry (prob add some spacers to that JCR stuff so it doesnt roll), what about the pinion angle? Im going to need to rotate the 30 forward a bit, how do i do that on my control arms? Keep in mind that ill be putting in a drop bracket kit..

dabeast727

bump

BlueXJ

Think you are gonna need adjustable control arms, beast. I think without a lot of cutting and welding that is the only thing that is gonna let you alter the natural caster.

dabeast727

danggit. Alright lets say i do get adj LCAs, what kind should i go for? Ride quality isnt a big deal but i really need something that isnt going to be prone to death wobble, IE: maybe something a little tighter?

BlueXJ

Death wobble in a Jeep is a function of loose components as you allude to but the control arm bushings as long as they are new and tight should not be a cause of DW.

dabeast727

Yeah i know im replacing them, if i get RE adjustable ones should i go for the super flex or super ride joints, for the purpose of how long they stay "tight"